Stiff neck is one such irritating thing that can hinder our day to day activities. Most of the time long working hours in office, hard pillow, long hours of traffic can make your neck stiff and tight.
Sometimes weak muscle can also be the cause of stiff neck. This stiff can make it very difficult for you to move your neck or tilt it sideways. If someone calls you, you have to take 360 degree turn rather that just turning your neck sideways.
Following are some of the causes of stiff neck
- Poor posture
- Excessive stress on neck
- Muscle sprain
- Pinched nerve
- Injury while playing
- Repeatedly moving your head side ways
- Muscle spasm
- Using hard pillow or high pillow
Here in this article we are going to study easy and simple tricks that can relieve your stiff neck.
Stiff Neck Remedies
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Simple Neck Trick
This particular trick will help you to get rid of sore neck as well as it can be done as a precautionary remedy to avoid stiff neck. You can do it while travelling as well.
- Slowly turn your head towards your shoulder, on both the sides, do it for about 8-10 times.
- Roll your shoulders backward and then back to normal, 10-12 times.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades for about 8-10 times.
- Give support of wall to your head or simply push your head back on the cars headrest.
- You can do all these by sitting in one place, whenever and where ever you like.
2. One Minute Fix
If you are suffering from any kind of muscle extension or shoulder pain, this massage will fix it in just 60 seconds. It is the trick of your hands that will bring relief to you.
- First find out the sore spot on your neck or shoulder by touching it with your hand.
- If it is on the left side of your neck, place your left hand on the spot.
- With the help of your fingers put firm pressure on that place, do not over pressure. Put moderate pressure which is bearable.
- Now turn your head on the opposite direction of pain. If it is on the left side then turn your head towards right side and bend it.
- You can repeat this trick throughout the day or as necessary.
3. Corner Stretch
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This simple exercise will help you in giving relief to your neck or shoulder pain that is caused due to tight chest and pulling of muscles.
- Facing towards the corner, stand at a distance of two feet from the wall.
- Keep your feet together.
- Keeping your elbow slightly below the shoulder, place your forearms on each wall.
- Lean against the wall, stretch yourself and remain in this position for about 30 seconds.
- Repeat it 2-3 times.
4. Levator Scapula Stretch
(Image source: http://www.stretching-exercises-guide.com)
This stretch give give you relief from shoulder as well as neck pain that is caused due to muscle pull.
- Keep your right hand on neck and raise your elbow above the shoulder.
- This will help to stretch the shoulder on side.
- This allows the shoulder blade to rotate and in turn lengthens levator scapula muscle.
- Now keep your left hand on your head and turn in opposite direction of shoulder stretch.
- Bring your chin down and slightly put pressure on your head.
- Be in this position for about 30 seconds and then repeat.
5. Warm Compress
(Image source: http://www.acadderson.com)
Applying warm compress on the effected area can give you immediate relief. Heat also improves blood circulation and gives you relief from that irritating pain of muscle pull. Spending some time under hot shower can also be helpful.
6. Sleep Position And Mattress
(Image source: www.mattressadvisor.com)
Your sleeping position as well the mattress can be cause of neck pain. Sleeping on your stomach can give you neck pain as it twists your neck on side for a longer time. It is best to sleep on your back as well as on side. Sleeping on a firm mattress can keep your body properly aligned throughout the night and can prevent neck pain.
